“But we’re far enough away from the place not to be in danger—how about that, Jack?” George went on to say in a cautious tone.
“Only a random shot could come this way, if the Austrians on the other shore start things going. I don’t believe they will, because they’ll be afraid of hitting their own men.”
“This is exciting, all right,” ventured Josh.
“Well, better all keep still again,” Jack remarked; “we might attract some attention, you know, and that’s the last thing we want to do right now. If the bridge is destroyed we can wait a while until things cool off, and then try our luck again, dropping down with the current.”
They kept as well behind the side of the boat as possible, acting on Jack’s advice, though the thin shell could hardly serve as a means of protection in case a projectile of any sort came that way.
Once more the minutes dragged fearfully, though their suspense was hardly of the same personal nature as before. It seemed to Buster that there was a mine to be exploded out there on the river, and that those soldiers who were working feverishly to complete the bridge must be directly over it. Any second now they might expect to hear a dreadful crash, and catch the shouts of those who were in range of the firing, as well as the rending of the boats under the rain of missiles.
Nearer still the Austrian bridge builders were coming. They had been well trained in their business, those army engineers, and worked methodically, even while laboring under a tremendous strain both of body and mind.
Jack, chancing to come in contact with Buster, found the other shivering as if he had the ague. He knew that it was due to agitation consequent upon excitement. Doubtless the beads of perspiration were rolling down Buster’s cheeks at the same time, even though the night air was rather chilly now instead of being warm.
Jack was glad he had been wise enough to come back up the river some little distance before reaching land. If the Austrian batteries turned some of their guns on that shore later, the boys would stand less chance of being hit when the mighty shells exploded along the bluff.
“Oh! I wish it was all over with!” groaned Josh, upon whom the dreadful suspense was telling terribly.